Every March, SFIA NHTF Day gives athletes a chance to voice their support to Congress in promoting active lifestyles. All NHTF Day athletes have asked Congress to pass the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act to lower the financial barrier for activity and help America overcome the obesity epidemic resulting from sedentary lifestyles.

“Athletes are the perfect advocates for physical activity as they understand firsthand the physical and social benefits of active lifestyles,” commented Bill Sells, SFIA Vice President of Public Affairs. “Since 2005, 50 Olympians have come to Washington to meet with Congress and request support for the PHIT Act to help lower the costs associated with being active.”

“The culture in the United States has changed over the past 50 years and activity is no longer a part of our daily lives,” said SFIA President & CEO Tom Cove. “Olympians recognize that improved health is a result of leading an active lifestyles but being active today often requires and investment of time and money and cost has become a major barrier. The PHIT Act will lower that barrier.”

Passing the PHIT Act will help parents with youth activity costs, young adults with sports and fitness expenses and promote activity among older Americans. The PHIT Act has already received a record number of bi-partisan congressional support from 100 sponsors split 55D-45R.

NHTF Day 2017 will be held March 21-22, stay tuned for more details. To learn all about the benefits of the PHIT Act, click here.

ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit www.sfia.org.